Our VCW Journey

beginning with intention...

Vida [Life] Calma [quiet or calm]

Vida Calma Wellness was founded in late 2010 as an intention. I was just beginning my personal journey of teaching yoga and would eventually re-locate to Finca Calma, a 400 acre family-owned farm in the cloud forest of Costa Rica. My husband Neal and I dreamed of moving there in search of a more tranquil environment and simpler life. In addition to building a small farming community with the family, we would open an off-grid wellness retreat for anyone looking to simplify their own life and become immersed in nature, with daily operations centered around the healing arts of yoga, Thai massage, meditation, energy healing, and the ancient medicinal practices of Ayurveda.

The first physical location of Vida Calma Wellness opened in February of 2011. It began as a small, one room yoga studio, located at Area 15 in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. After a short time at this location, Neal and I moved to a new home in west Charlotte. I then left Area 15 and converted one area of our home into a yoga studio and offered small classes there for about a year and a half, while looking for a new studio opportunity on the west side of town.

In the summer of 2012 I began the search for a location in Mount Holly, NC, just outside of west Charlotte, and by April of 2013 I was the proud owner of On Track Yoga. My inspiration for opening this studio came from a desire to have a place nearby to teach AND practice where everyone is welcome to be their authentic self. Thankfully, I have been joined by a family of beautiful and loving yoga teachers and staff dedicated to building the yoga community in Mount Holly, and inspiring reduced stress and healthy living for folks of all different shapes, sizes, and ability levels. On Track Yoga is now a thriving community of like-minded individuals with public yoga classes offered several times a day, seven days a week, regular workshops, and even a monthly potluck!

As of August 2016, the intention has come full circle - construction has begun on the Finca Calma farming community and we will soon begin building Vida Calma Wellness retreat center! In the meantime, we have begun offering regular retreats at various locations in Costa Rica. In order to focus on retreats and the farm and wellness center, I have gratefully passed the torch at On Track Yoga to a wonderful soul who I am blessed to now work for when I am in the states. Please see our retreat calendar if you are interested in one of our upcoming adventures! Details about the farm, the community, investment opportunities, and progress updates, can be found at OurCalmLife.com.